March 2010

On Sunday March 21st, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass S.B. 3590. Portions of this nearly $1 trillion piece of legislation goes in to effect immediately. Others segments will be phased in over time. The passage is seen by many as the first step toward universal coverage and has already come under fire from Republicans and Attorneys General. The links below provide a succinct summary of the upcoming changes and how they impact you.

PLEASE ALSO SAVE APRIL 29TH FOR AN EDUCATIONAL LUNCH PRESENTED BY LSA WHERE WE'LL PROVIDE UP TO THE MINUTE DETAILS ABOUT HEALTHCARE REFORM

ODS Health Plan Loses $38 million on OEBB Contract

ODS Health Plans, the major insurer for the state's 41,844 school teachers and their 61,023 dependents, is bleeding red ink. The insurer lost $38 million during the first of its four-year contract with the Oregon Educators Benefit Board.

If there is one thing as polarizing as the current healthcare reform debate, it's the idea of a sales tax in Oregon.
Nine times since 1933 Oregonians have rejected the idea. Yet in the most recent legislative session in Salem the idea was introduced as a way to expand basic healthcare to all Oregonians. The issue was tabled for now, but legislators vowed to continue the discussion next legislative session.